jello
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Post by jello on May 28, 2016 11:04:09 GMT
I'm not sure. I think it might just be that their build quality / QC has at times been patchy. In the past it wasn't uncommon to see some of the older HFM's listed for sale, primarily HE-400 and HE-500, with comments fromt the seller along the lines that they were warranty replacements or that HFM had replaced the drivers.
My only experience with their headphones was with a newer model, the HE-560. Had I got a good pair I feel they would have been excellent headphones but sadly I had to return mine despite getting them new for well below rrp. The drivers were so mismatched they could have come from the lucky dip bin, wood veneer was crude at best with evident imperfections and rough edges (a reject piece for most companies) and stitching on the pads reminded me of some oven mitts I made in Home Economics many years ago...not good.
That said I've not seen many complaints about the HE-6 or their very latest 'top tier' efforts and I guess if a used pair of HE-6 has withstood a few years use with no issues then they are likely fine.
I've been tempted but never quite had the balls to pull the trigger again. If I was buying new I'd buy from the UK and from a dealer with good after sales care for sure. Audeze is another that falls into that category for me.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 28, 2016 17:00:41 GMT
maybe its to do with their demanding amp requirements too. the edition x is lower in impedence. i assume it is easier to drive too.
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jello
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Post by jello on May 28, 2016 17:03:58 GMT
The HEX is very easy to drive I believe and you could partner them with a mobile or tablet if you were so inclined. But as is usually the case a better source will yield better results.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 28, 2016 17:11:26 GMT
i must say i am not keen on the looks. i prefer the looks of the 560.
btw, i am not looking to upgrade from the Lcd2 just want to try another flavour.
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jello
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Post by jello on Jun 2, 2016 19:51:27 GMT
The 560 is a nice looking headphone. As long as you don't examine the veneer too closely. Despite some serious reservations I'm currently thinking of buying another HE-560. I love this headphone, but not HFM's QC or reliability. And that's something that worries me. Choice would be to buy new and have a warranty and hopefully the newer 2.5mm jacks. Or buy used, save some cash and hope for the best....and put up with the crappy old HFM connectors. Also looked at the Ether and exchanged a couple of PMs with a nice guy on HF regarding his pair. But at around £900 I'd need to sell the TH-X00 and hope someone buys the Polaris (how it hasn't sold is beyond me). But have doubts about the Ether's bass and from what I've read not sure I could live with it as my main headphone. Other option is the T5P 2nd gen. Currently have one on backorder at Amazon for £560-ish and doubt it'll be cheaper than that new for some time. But I read so many mixed impressions about Beyers tesla 'phones I'm just not sure if I should keep the order or pass on them. Have the feeling that despite the rrp (£850) they'd likely pale in comparison to the Pandora. And having sold a lot of gear recently I'd be gutted if they did. Decisions, decisions. Of course if an Ether C came up cheap that might make things a lot easier
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jello
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Post by jello on Jun 2, 2016 19:54:19 GMT
Anyway back to the HE-350. 5 days to go. What do you think the odds are on the clock being reset again??
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jun 2, 2016 20:52:40 GMT
It's £150 tops. Cheap headphone to try. I must admit, I had doubts about the k553 but actually, to my ears, it's slightly better than the k550. Fraction warmer and smoother, so I'm hoping the same for the he350. Get in there Mark!! That'll sell if you don't like it!!!!
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jello
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Post by jello on Jun 2, 2016 21:24:18 GMT
Which one? The HE-350? FOTM always sells well on HF
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jun 2, 2016 21:35:51 GMT
Yes, the he-350 would sell easily and at a good price.
It looks as though it isn't too bad for that price, but no he-560 competitor. It was the build (yet again) that put me off the 560 as well.
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jello
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Post by jello on Jun 3, 2016 11:26:53 GMT
The thing with the HE-350 is I'd only be buying out of curiosity to see what HFM can deliver for $99. With the tuning I can't see me keeping a hold long term so just not 100% sure if it's worth bothering.
I've also just stuck my head in the lion's mouth again (HE-560) so by then I'll already have had the opportunity to experience HFM's build quality again first hand. The guy I'm buying from is 100% trustworthy and he tells me there are no imbalance issues (veneer still looks a bit crap though) so hoping it'll be plain sailing this time round. Have heard a lot of headphones in the interim so also crossing my fingers it's as good as I remember. At least I have a few amps to try and find a good pairing.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jun 3, 2016 12:32:43 GMT
Oh, so you've got your hands on an he560? That'll sound better than the 350, but as you say, the build quality is also my concern with Hifiman headohones. Both externally and matching of drivers.
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jello
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Post by jello on Jun 4, 2016 9:24:33 GMT
Aye, and hopefully I won't regret it.
They arrived an hour or so ago and pleased to report there are no imbalance issues. And they sound as good as I remember. So far only tried the TEAC but I think the Polaris has a bit more power at 50 ohms which the HE-560 is supposed to like...perhaps it not selling will prove serendipitous?
Anyway back on track. If the headband is the same, and it looks like it is, then you should be in for a treat comfort wise. Clamping force is perfect, the cups are roomy and the HE-560 is surprisingly light. HE-350 may be lighter still with it's dynamic drivers.
The HE-560 comes with the Focus pads which are great (pleather sides, perforated interiors and topped with velour where they touch the ear) in terms of comfort, seal and not warming your lugs up. Might be worth a try if the stock ones aren't up to snuff. But at around £30 perhaps that's too much of an outlay on a £100 headphone?
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jun 4, 2016 11:00:53 GMT
I'll wait and see Mark. The 350 doesn't look that bad TBH and I think that it might sound fine. In fact, it might be a good match with my K553 which I personally think is the best of the AKG cheapies. Because it was a Massdrop thing, I think it got lost amongst the K550, 545 and 551 but to my ears, it sounds terrific for a closed headphone. In fact, one of the most open closed headphones that I've heard except it's not quite as hard in the treble and for some reason, seems warmer in the bass. It does have a peak in the treble, but not as glaring as the k550. I like it a lot and I'm kind of hoping that the he-350 might be an open equivalent in sound for semi-portable use in the garden.
The only thing I would have liked is a removable lead on the k553, like the he-350 so I can stick a short one on.
I was close to getting a 560 at one point but that build rumour stopped me. I don't like the idea that headphones at this price level are hit and miss.
My guess is that the 350 will sound light in the bass and will also have a peak in the top so it might be a good sonic match with the k553.
560 has a lot of resolution though, so if you have a good 'un, then you have a nice headphone there.
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jello
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Post by jello on Jun 5, 2016 10:58:03 GMT
Okay. Thinking of getting a spare pair of Focus pads and some Focus A to try with the HE-560. If I do you're welcome to try them and could stick them in with your HE-350 to keep postage down.
This new (well lightly used & 2 months old) 560 does seem a good one. At the time I last had a pair I felt, issues aside, it was the best headphone I'd owned and a couple of years and many more headphones later that impression hasn't changed. But when a headphone costs £650 buying shouldn't feel like a gamble....which is a shame because it is worth a listen. And the Polaris pairs beautifully with it which is a pain because I prefer the TEAC for the TH-X00 and was hoping to only to keep a single amp....
The K553 doesn't sound half bad. I was vaguely aware that MD ha done a K55X variant but as you say it got a little lost in the mix. I think it dropped just after the K7XX which perhaps stole a lot of its thunder.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jun 6, 2016 7:56:08 GMT
The K553 is one of my favourites for 'clarity' and spaciousness. They managed to tame the top very slightly and the bass is a tad warmer than the K550. Very little difference but it seems to make a general impression of much more warmth. Amazing how such a little change makes a big overall improvement. I found that very surprising. I'm hoping that the he350 might make it a matching pair. (Almost)
I was keen on a 560 and have long had a price watch on them. When it has dropped, I've always hesitated because of my doubts over QC. As you say, at that price, taking a gamble isn't funny. I felt the very same about the th900.
With regards to the pads Mark, again, QC comes into play and I've read of so many who had them split at the contact ring part. I can't help but be suspicious about Hifiman gear!!
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